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Progressive Christian

2020-01-13T14:26:43-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

“I am the mother of a gay son and I’ve taken enough from you good people.”

Last updated on: January 13, 2020 at 2:26 pm By Susan Cottrell

“I’m tired of your foolish rhetoric about the “homosexual agenda.” You are cruel and ignorant. You have been robbing me of the joys of motherhood.” I am the Mom of two LGBTQ children. I love them and advocate for them daily. I shared my story on the TED stage and that talk has more than a million views. I stand against the hate, condemnation, judgment, and abuse – most of it coming from the non-affirming, behavior-focused Christian church. “Why do... Read more

2016-07-09T08:52:24-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Are You Leading People Astray by Supporting Gays?

Last updated on: July 9, 2016 at 8:52 am By Susan Cottrell

Nothing quite like being told that I am rewriting the word of God – like if it truly is the word of God, do I even have the ability to actually rewrite it?!? Nothing quite like being told that I am leading innocent people astray and committing a grievous sin. Welcome to my world. As one of my wonderful readers said, “The amazing lengths people will go to, the excuses they will make to avoid those two little commandments Jesus... Read more

2015-05-09T08:46:26-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

What My Mom & I Never Had

Last updated on: May 9, 2015 at 8:46 am By Susan Cottrell

Neither of my parents are alive. I lost my Dad when I was in my 20’s and my relationship with him was difficult and distant. I can’t recall a single “I love you.” But Mom was different. She loved me and I knew it. Our relationship was very tender. She was at every school event, every concert. She was my biggest fan, and she was the first one I would call when something good happened in my life. She died... Read more

2015-05-08T14:38:53-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

My Family is Using the Bible to Condemn My Gay Son – How Can I Respond?

Last updated on: May 8, 2015 at 2:38 pm By Susan Cottrell

Have you ever had someone come at you – judging and condemning your gay children? Maybe trying to “set you straight”? Even saying you and your child are going to hell using words like abomination and apostate? Both Rob & I have. Friends (I guess it would be former friends), strangers online, church leaders, and even close family members. All judging and condemning us because of our love for our own children, and because of our advocacy for human beings... Read more

2015-05-15T09:15:35-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Proverbs 31 Woman Speaks! (Moms, this is for you.)

Last updated on: May 15, 2015 at 9:15 am By Susan Cottrell

This is a message for all the women weighed down by the Proverbs 31 Woman. Well, she stopped by to clear the record on the book written about her. 🙂 Here she is… in her own words… For heaven’s sake! What have you done to my story? Here it is, a beautiful poem, and it’s been used as a noose around your neck. It was never meant to be that. You’re cooking and canning, washing and scrubbing, up before the crack of... Read more

2015-05-04T10:15:19-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

I Just Want To Be Loved. Is That So Wrong?

Last updated on: May 4, 2015 at 10:15 am By Susan Cottrell

“My heart is heavy. My daughter’s friend killed himself on Thursday. No one knows why yet, but in conversation I’ve heard over and over he was lonely. I think about the pain he was feeling. It must have hurt so deep for him to take his life. ALL life matters! You wrote about people not understanding the fullness and completeness of God’s love. If he only new he would be here. I want to be an extension of God’s love... Read more

2015-05-03T10:39:29-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Jesus Says, “Imagine No Religion”

Last updated on: May 3, 2015 at 10:39 am By Susan Cottrell

The Jesus Blog. A word from Jesus to you… I get it. I understand why you would want nothing to do with me and why you would feel so much pain when you even hear the word Christian. I understand. And to be totally honest, I often feel the same way. So much of the church has become nothing like I intended. Church is supposed to be a simple, intimate, wonderful, relationship-focused community helping those who are hurting. A community... Read more

2015-05-01T11:24:21-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Dear Susan: My “Welcoming” Church is Not So Welcoming After All

Last updated on: May 1, 2015 at 11:24 am By Susan Cottrell

Remember Princess Bride, when Vizzini keeps saying things are “inconceivable” just before they happen? Montoyo finally says, “That word – I do not think it means what you think it means.” I hear many people say they are welcoming of LGBTQ in their churches. But that word, I do not think it means what they think it means. They think they are loving and warm and genuine at a heart level, but instead they are being correctly read as just... Read more

2015-04-29T13:22:37-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

No More Box-Church. It’s Time To Break Free From Religion.

Last updated on: April 29, 2015 at 1:22 pm By Susan Cottrell

There was that time when Jesus cleansed the temple – kicking over chairs, upturning tables, and driving out the money changers. You’re going to have to do this for yourself. Living inside your head are all those religious lies and deceptions that have enslaved you and are a power in your mind. They are constantly doing business in your head – controlling you, limiting you, sabotaging you, and stopping you. Kick them out! Upturn those tables! Toss those chairs! Drive... Read more

2015-04-27T10:45:36-05:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

My Son Becomes My Daughter – A Journey of Love

Last updated on: April 27, 2015 at 10:45 am By Susan Cottrell

Mitchell had fought back the growing awareness that deep down, despite all outward appearances, he was really a she. His family—well, everyone—had always called him a “he,” had always called him Mitchell… but deep down, where no one could see, “he” was a “she.” And she wanted to be Marisa. But he had no idea how he would tell his father. No idea what to do, where to go. No help. So Mitchell wrote a note: “Dear Dad, I cannot live this... Read more

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